Introduction

Nitric oxide (NO) is a natural gas that is produced by the body to ensure vasodilation of blood vessels and healthy circulation. When penile erections occur in men, it is because NO is released in large amounts in the local tissues to significantly increase the blood flow into the penis tissues. Medications to treat erectile dysfunction in men, such as Viagra, are known to stimulate NO production in the body. While it is easy for many men to get a prescription for these drugs, there are also easy lifestyle chances, such as good penile nutrition and exercise, which has a marked effect on NO production and release.

Exercise
Men with a sedentary lifestyle are more likely to experience sexual health problems. Exercise is known to be an important factor in ensuring cardiovascular strength, and studies show that exercise also helps to maintain high NO levels in the body. Hanover Medical School in Germany studied the effects of endurance exercise on NO levels in both trained male athletes and untrained men. Both groups showed significant increases in NO levels following their exercise, proving that lifestyle plays a huge part in cardiovascular disease and possibly sexual health. These results were published in "The Journal of Cardiovascular Risk" and provides more evidence that men should participate in regular mild to moderate aerobic exercise if they want to maintain penis health and sexual satisfaction.

Food
What you eat is going to directly affect the health and function of your penis. Many foods contain a wide spectrum of bioactive chemicals and nutrients, which impact upon NO levels in men. Vegetables and fruits high in antioxidants will reduce oxidative damage to the blood vessel wall, which if unchecked can lead to reduce NO production. Foods high in vitamin C, E and D have a stimulatory effect on NO release, as do fruits containing high amounts of citric acid. Eat plenty of oranges, bell peppers, broccoli, tomatoes, grapefruit, lemons, strawberries, watermelon and limes. Vitamins are often susceptible to cooking methods, so consume fruits and berries as fresh as possible.

Herbal Remedies
Herbal remedies have been used as male tonics and aphrodisiacs by every culture of the world for hundreds of years, and today researchers are beginning to understand how these plant medicines work to promote penis health. Studies show that Horny Goat Weed, Nettle root, Goosefoot, Yohimbe and Ginseng all have a significant effect on NO production in the male body when taken internally. This supports the traditional use of these herbal medicines in the treatment of erectile dysfunction and low libido. Consult with a trained herbalist or naturopath on the therapeutic dosage of these herbs required for stimulating NO production, and if you are on prescribed medication check with your doctor first.

Amino Acids
Amino acids are required as ingredients for making NO in the body, and in particular the amino acid known as L-Arginine is important for this process. L-Arginine is found in many foods, including nuts, beans, and chocolate, and can also be taken as a supplement. In a clinical trial published in "The Journal of Sex & Martial Therapy" in 2003, researchers treated men with erectile dysfunction with supplements of L-Arginine and pycnogenol. After three months of treatment up to 92% of men were able to achieve a normal erection. This study supports the results of earlier clinical trials, which also found L-Arginine to be useful in increasing NO production and improving sexual function in men.

Penis Health Creme
Men can improve erectile health by applying topical products known as penis health crèmes. Penis specific formulas (most professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil) contain nutrients and natural oils that moisturize the skin and provide important vitamins for NO production. For example, vitamin C has shown to stimulate NO release, vitamin E is blood thinning and protects circulation, and L-Arginine is required for the production of NO. These nutrients are combined with amino acids and shea butter for fast absorption, and can be applied daily to promote healthy skin and blood vessels in the penis.